The UFC women’s flyweight division is officially moving into a new chapter.
Valentina Shevchenko has vacated the 125-pound title after suffering an injury that is expected to keep her out for an extended period. The UFC confirmed the change over the weekend, with Natalia Silva now set to face Wang Cong for the vacant championship in the main event of UFC 332 on October 3 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City.
Shevchenko Steps Away From the Belt
Shevchenko’s withdrawal is a major shift for a division she has dominated for much of the past decade. The 38-year-old had been expected to defend the title against Silva, but the UFC announced that she could be sidelined for up to a year.
Her longtime coach Pavel Fedotov later provided more detail on the injury. Speaking to Ushatayka, Fedotov said Shevchenko suffered ligament damage involving her shoulder and back. With a lengthy recovery ahead, the team decided not to rush the process and to relinquish the title rather than hold up the division.
The plan, according to Fedotov, is straightforward: recover fully and challenge for the championship again when Shevchenko is ready to return.
That means this is not being framed as a retirement or the end of Shevchenko’s run at flyweight. But for the first time in her second title reign, the division will crown a champion without her in the cage.
Natalia Silva Gets Her Long-Awaited Shot
For Natalia Silva, the situation changes the opponent but not the opportunity.
The Brazilian has built one of the strongest résumés in the division since joining the UFC in 2022. She is 8-0 inside the Octagon and has put together a 14-fight winning streak overall. Her recent run includes decision victories over former UFC champions Jessica Andrade, Alexa Grasso and Rose Namajunas.
Silva’s movement, speed and technical striking have steadily pushed her from prospect to legitimate title contender. She was already lined up for the biggest fight of her career against Shevchenko. Now she will enter UFC 332 with the undisputed belt directly on the line.
Wang Cong Has a Chance to Fast-Track Her Rise
Wang Cong arrives in Salt Lake City with a very different UFC story.
The Chinese contender is 10-1 overall and 5-1 in the UFC. After suffering the first loss of her professional MMA career in 2024, Wang responded with four consecutive victories. Her most recent win came against Tracy Cortez at UFC 329.
A championship victory would complete a rapid climb through the division and make Wang one of the most notable Chinese champions in UFC history. Her striking background also makes the matchup with Silva especially interesting on paper, with both women comfortable operating at range and building offense from technical exchanges.
A New Era at 125 Pounds
The flyweight belt changing hands without Shevchenko losing it in the cage gives UFC 332 an unusual dynamic. Silva and Wang are fighting for an undisputed championship, but the former champion is already talking about coming back for whoever holds it.
That creates an immediate storyline around the winner. UFC 332 will determine the division’s next champion, while Shevchenko’s recovery will remain one of the biggest questions hanging over the future of 125 pounds.
For now, the title picture is clear: Natalia Silva vs. Wang Cong will headline UFC 332 on October 3 in Salt Lake City, and the UFC women’s flyweight division is guaranteed to leave Utah with a new champion.
